Medusa - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ oops

2026-06-27T21:12:59Z

Origin: oops

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 27 June 2026
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	==Origin==		==Origin==
	{{wikipedia\|Medusa}}		{{wikipedia\|Medusa}}
	In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between ~~the two~~ were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.		In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon, and that relations between her and Poseidon were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.

	In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of various gifts, most of which are given rough analogues in the items that can be generated within his statue in ''NetHack'': a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.		In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of various gifts, most of which are given rough analogues in the items that can be generated within his statue in ''NetHack'': a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ clarify and tidy this up further

2026-06-27T21:12:36Z

Origin: clarify and tidy this up further

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 27 June 2026
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	In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between the two were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.		In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between the two were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.

	In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.		In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of various gifts, most of which are given rough analogues in the items that can be generated within his statue in ''NetHack'': a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.

	Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her. As she was beheaded while pregnant with Poseidon's children, those children sprang from the neck of her headless body: [[Pegasus]], the winged horse, and [[wikipedia:Chrysaor\|Chrysaor]], named for the golden blade he was born wielding. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm of darkness to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head of Medusa, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.		Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her. As she was beheaded while pregnant with Poseidon's children, those children sprang from the neck of her headless body: [[wikipedia:Pegasus\|Pegasus]], the winged horse, and [[wikipedia:Chrysaor\|Chrysaor]], named for the golden blade he was born wielding. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm of darkness to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head of Medusa, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.

	The fourth variant of Medusa's Island serves as a sort of "palace" for her, with an abundance of snakes and black nagas as well as a [[yellow dragon]]—after her decapitation in some ~~tales~~, ~~her~~ spilled blood was said to have given birth to several creatures, including the Sahara's poisonous vipers and the venomous, twin-headed dragon-like serpent known as [[wikipedia:Amphisbaena\|Amphisbaena]] (represented by the yellow dragon). Black nagas, yellow dragons, and their offspring are also [[acidic]] and thus resistant to stoning. The crystal ball may also be an allusion to [[wikipedia:Graeae\|the Graeae]], daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto and sisters to the Gorgons (who were sometimes called "Graeae")~~—Perseus stole their sole~~ shared eye in order to ransom it for information on the ~~location~~ of either Medusa herself or the three objects needed to slay her, depending on the ~~telling~~.		The fourth variant of Medusa's Island in ''NetHack'' serves as a sort of "palace" for her, with an abundance of snakes and black nagas as well as a [[yellow dragon]]—after her decapitation in some versions of her myth, Medusa's spilled blood was said to have given birth to several creatures, including the Sahara's poisonous vipers and the venomous, twin-headed dragon-like serpent known as [[wikipedia:Amphisbaena\|Amphisbaena]] (represented by the yellow dragon). Black nagas, yellow dragons, and their offspring are also [[acidic]] and thus resistant to stoning. The crystal ball hidden in the level may also be an allusion to [[wikipedia:Graeae\|the Graeae]], daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto and sisters to the Gorgons (who were sometimes called "Graeae")—the Graeae shared a singular detachable eye between them, which Perseus stole in order to ransom it for information on the locations of either Medusa herself or the three objects needed to slay her, depending on the version of the myth.

	==Messages==		==Messages==

Umbire the Phantom: /* Origin */ lede

2026-06-27T07:22:25Z

Origin: lede

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:22, 27 June 2026
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	==Origin==		==Origin==
	{{wikipedia\|Medusa}}		{{wikipedia\|Medusa}}
	In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the ~~trio—a~~ later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment~~. While~~ the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale ~~asserts~~ that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), other versions have this occur after Poseidon ~~and~~ Medusa ~~lay together~~ in one of Athena's temples, desecrating ~~it—the~~ original ~~Latin ''Metamorphoses''~~ and ~~other interpretations indicate Medusa did so against her will~~.		In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between the two were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.

	In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.		In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2026-04-24T03:48:59Z

word choice

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:48, 24 April 2026
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	'''Medusa''', {{monsym\|Medusa}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. She is a dangerous [[humanoid]] being that is the only [[human or elf]] to neither be [[Human (monster attribute)\|human]] nor [[Elf (monster attribute)\|elven]]. Medusa is a [[strong]] [[omnivore]] that is [[amphibious]] and capable of [[swimming]], has [[flight]], and can be seen via [[infravision]]. She cannot be [[tamed]] or even pacified.{{refsrc\|src/dog.c\|871\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}		'''Medusa''', {{monsym\|Medusa}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. She is a dangerous [[humanoid]] being that is the only [[human or elf]] to neither be [[Human (monster attribute)\|human]] nor [[Elf (monster attribute)\|elven]]. Medusa is a [[strong]] [[omnivore]] that is [[amphibious]] and capable of [[swimming]], has [[flight]], and can be seen via [[infravision]]. She cannot be [[tamed]] or even pacified.{{refsrc\|src/dog.c\|871\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]] if they meet her gaze, as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a weapon attack, a [[claw attack]] and a [[~~poisonous~~]] [[strength]]-draining [[~~bite attack~~]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze: [[applying]] a [[mirror]] or else wearing a source of the [[reflection]] [[property]] can protect the user from Medusa's gaze, and will reflect it back at her and turn her to stone ''unless'' she also has a source of reflection or else cannot see the hero or monster reflecting her gaze.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.		Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]] if they meet her gaze, as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a normal weapon attack, a normal [[claw attack]] and a [[bite attack]] that inflicts [[strength]]-draining [[poison]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze: [[applying]] a [[mirror]] or else wearing a source of the [[reflection]] [[property]] can protect the user from Medusa's gaze, and will reflect it back at her and turn her to stone ''unless'' she also has a source of reflection or else cannot see the hero or monster reflecting her gaze.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.

	Medusa is poisonous to [[eat]], and [[digestion]] attacks or biting into her [[corpse]] will also turn the eater to stone, similar to a [[footrice]]{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|862\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|872\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2154\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2159\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2162\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—unlike a footrice, contact of any kind ~~has no effect~~. A [[hero]] that eats her corpse while they have stoning resistance is guaranteed to gain poison resistance.		Medusa is poisonous to [[eat]], and [[digestion]] attacks or biting into her [[corpse]] will also turn the eater to stone, similar to a [[footrice]]{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|862\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|872\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2154\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2159\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2162\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—unlike a footrice, this does not extend to bare-skinned contact of any kind. A [[hero]] that eats her corpse while they have stoning resistance is guaranteed to gain poison resistance.

	==Generation==		==Generation==

Umbire the Phantom: word choice

2026-02-04T01:04:29Z

word choice

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:04, 4 February 2026
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	Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]] if they meet her gaze, as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a weapon attack, a [[claw attack]] and a [[poisonous]] [[strength]]-draining [[bite attack]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze: [[applying]] a [[mirror]] or else wearing a source of the [[reflection]] [[property]] can protect the user from Medusa's gaze, and will reflect it back at her and turn her to stone ''unless'' she also has a source of reflection or else cannot see the hero or monster reflecting her gaze.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.		Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]] if they meet her gaze, as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a weapon attack, a [[claw attack]] and a [[poisonous]] [[strength]]-draining [[bite attack]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze: [[applying]] a [[mirror]] or else wearing a source of the [[reflection]] [[property]] can protect the user from Medusa's gaze, and will reflect it back at her and turn her to stone ''unless'' she also has a source of reflection or else cannot see the hero or monster reflecting her gaze.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.

	Medusa is poisonous to [[eat]], and [[~~digesting~~]] ~~her~~ or biting into her [[corpse]] will also turn the eater to stone, similar to a [[footrice]]{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|862\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|872\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2154\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2159\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2162\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—unlike a footrice, contact of any kind has no effect. A [[hero]] that eats her corpse while they have stoning resistance is guaranteed to gain poison resistance.		Medusa is poisonous to [[eat]], and [[digestion]] attacks or biting into her [[corpse]] will also turn the eater to stone, similar to a [[footrice]]{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|862\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|872\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2154\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2159\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/uhitm.c\|2162\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—unlike a footrice, contact of any kind has no effect. A [[hero]] that eats her corpse while they have stoning resistance is guaranteed to gain poison resistance.

	==Generation==		==Generation==

Umbire the Phantom: copyedit, see if I can further clarify the way you're meant to approach her

2026-02-04T01:04:11Z

copyedit, see if I can further clarify the way you're meant to approach her

Show changes

Umbire the Phantom: potholes, additional cite locations, etc.

2025-07-02T16:57:19Z

potholes, additional cite locations, etc.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 2 July 2025
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	\|frequency=Unique		\|frequency=Unique
	\|genocidable=No		\|genocidable=No
	\|attacks=Weapon 2d4 physical, Claw 1d8 physical, [[Gaze]] 0d0 [[stoning]], [[Bite]] 1d6 [[poison]]		\|attacks=[[Weapon]] 2d4 [[Physical damage\|physical]], [[Claw attack\|Claw]] 1d8 physical, [[Gaze]] 0d0 [[stoning]], [[Bite]] 1d6 [[poison]]
	\|weight=1450		\|weight=1450
	\|nutr=400		\|nutr=400
	\|size=Large		\|size=Large
	\|resistances=[[Poison resistance]], [[Stoning resistance]] (minus ~~reflected~~ gaze)		\|resistances=[[Poison resistance]], [[Stoning resistance]] (minus reflecting her gaze)<ref name="heromirror"/><ref name="heroreflects"/><ref name="monsterreflects"/>
	\|resistances conveyed=[[Poison resistance]] (100%), [[Stoning\|turns eater to stone]]		\|resistances conveyed=[[Poison resistance]] (100%), [[Stoning\|turns eater to stone]]
	\|attributes={{attributes\|Medusa\|fly=1\|swim=1\|amphibious=1\|humanoid=1\|pois=1\|omnivore=1\|nopoly=1\|hostile=1\|strong=1\|female=1\|waitsforu=1\|infravisible=1}}		\|attributes={{attributes\|Medusa\|fly=1\|swim=1\|amphibious=1\|humanoid=1\|pois=1\|omnivore=1\|nopoly=1\|hostile=1\|strong=1\|female=1\|waitsforu=1\|infravisible=1}}
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	* Although having very fast [[speed]] sometimes lets you get next to Medusa and attack her without her gaze stoning you (or stoning herself if you have reflection), this is not reliable, and even if you do get there, one turn is generally not enough time to kill her.		* Although having very fast [[speed]] sometimes lets you get next to Medusa and attack her without her gaze stoning you (or stoning herself if you have reflection), this is not reliable, and even if you do get there, one turn is generally not enough time to kill her.

	For a hero lacks reflection or a mirror, or else opts not to use one, and blinds themselves to nullify her gaze, Medusa is not that difficult to defeat: unless a hero blitzed their way to the island as mentioned previously, they should have decent [[AC]] and a source of poison resistance; Medusa's attacks are not very strong for the point she is normally encountered at, and her own AC of 2 is fairly unimpressive. Even so, care should be taken when dealing with her, since Medusa can use the stairs to escape if scared—if you are blind and using [[telepathy]] and you lose track of her, but do not see her corpse or a death message, beware of her around her lair and on the levels immediately above and below. Medusa can also generate with a cursed [[scroll of teleportation]], providing an even nastier surprise if you encounter her later halfway up the dungeon and did not blind yourself beforehand.		For a hero who lacks reflection or a mirror, or else opts not to use one, and blinds themselves to nullify her gaze, Medusa is not that difficult to defeat: unless a hero blitzed their way to the island as mentioned previously, they should have decent [[AC]] and a source of poison resistance; Medusa's attacks are not very strong for the point she is normally encountered at, and her own AC of 2 is fairly unimpressive. Even so, care should be taken when dealing with her, since Medusa can use the stairs to escape if scared—if you are blind and using [[telepathy]] and you lose track of her, but do not see her corpse or a death message, beware of her around her lair and on the levels immediately above and below. Medusa can also generate with a cursed [[scroll of teleportation]], providing an even nastier surprise if you encounter her later halfway up the dungeon and did not blind yourself beforehand.

	[[Pacifist]]s will want to avoid reflecting Medusa's gaze to kill her, which breaks the conduct; they can instead blind her and leave her to their pets, or additionally blind themselves, prepare a source of reflection, and give Medusa some powerful attack wands so she can kill herself with the rebounds.<!--Elbereth will protect you from any accompanying monsters. Leave that as an exercise to the reader.-->		[[Pacifist]]s will want to avoid reflecting Medusa's gaze to kill her, which breaks the conduct; they can instead blind her and leave her to their pets, or additionally blind themselves, prepare a source of reflection, and give Medusa some powerful attack wands so she can kill herself with the rebounds.<!--Elbereth will protect you from any accompanying monsters. Leave that as an exercise to the reader.-->
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	In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio—a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment. While the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale asserts that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), other versions have this occur after Poseidon and Medusa lay together in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it—the original Latin ''Metamorphoses'' and other interpretations indicate Medusa did so against her will.		In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio—a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment. While the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale asserts that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), other versions have this occur after Poseidon and Medusa lay together in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it—the original Latin ''Metamorphoses'' and other interpretations indicate Medusa did so against her will.

	In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[~~sack~~\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.		In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.

	Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her; as she was pregnant by Poseidon at the time, [[Pegasus]] the winged horse and the golden sword-wielding giant Chrysaor sprang from the neck of her headless body. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.		Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her; as she was pregnant by Poseidon at the time, [[Pegasus]] the winged horse and the golden sword-wielding giant Chrysaor sprang from the neck of her headless body. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ potholes et. al.

2025-06-29T10:22:33Z

Strategy: potholes et. al.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:22, 29 June 2025
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	==Strategy==		==Strategy==
	The most difficult part of reaching Medusa is often crossing the [[sea monster]]-infested waters of Medusa's Island. [[Levitation]] or [[water walking boots]] are the most common ways to cross the water. Using a [[wand of cold]], a [[frost horn]] or the [[cone of cold]] spell to freeze a path across the water is another option, as is filling the water with [[boulder]]s and/or some means of [[jumping]]. See the article on [[Medusa's Island]] for more specific details on how to successfully cross the waters or else dig down safely to the levels below.		The most difficult part of reaching Medusa is often crossing the [[sea monster]]-infested waters of Medusa's Island. [[Levitation]] or [[water walking boots]] are the most common ways to cross the water. Using a [[wand of cold]], a [[frost horn]] or the {{+ of\|cone of cold}} spell to freeze a path across the water is another option, as is filling the water with [[boulder]]s and/or some means of [[jumping]]. See the article on [[Medusa's Island]] for more specific details on how to successfully cross the waters or else dig down safely to the levels below.

	If you are trying to reach the island using boulders, the most efficient method is an uncursed [[scroll of earth]]. If need be, you can also push any boulder you find on the level above to the downstair and throw items to make them roll down. 8 boulders are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#First version\|first version]], and 16 are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#Second version\|second]]; this can be reduced to 7 and 14 respectively if you are willing to jump into water and crawl out. An [[amulet of magical breathing]] may also be used to traverse the level underwater, though you should waterproof your inventory beforehand to prevent as much of it getting [[wet]] as possible.		If you are trying to reach the island using boulders, the most efficient method is an uncursed [[scroll of earth]]. If need be, you can also push any boulder you find on the level above to the downstair and throw items to make them roll down. 8 boulders are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#First version\|first version]], and 16 are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#Second version\|second]]; this can be reduced to 7 and 14 respectively if you are willing to jump into water and crawl out. An [[amulet of magical breathing]] may also be used to traverse the level underwater, though you should waterproof your inventory beforehand to prevent as much of it getting [[wet]] as possible.

	If crossing the water is not an option, you may also opt to dig a [[hole]] to the next level and then come back up by using the [[staircase]] - the stairs to the next level are always in the same room as Medusa, so be sure you are ready for her before going up. This also makes Medusa a nasty surprise for players deep-shafted below her domain from above via [[trap door]]: if you end up below dungeon level 20 or so (including the [[Castle]]), you should immediately be on the alert for the possibility of finding Medusa if you make your way back up. Maze levels are often a sign that you are between Medusa's island and the Castle, though you are not guaranteed to encounter one between those two floors.		If crossing the water is not an option, you may also opt to dig a [[hole]] to the next level and then come back up by using the [[staircase]]—the stairs to the next level are always in the same room as Medusa, so be sure you are ready for her before going up. This also makes Medusa a nasty surprise for players deep-shafted below her domain from above via [[trap door]]: if you end up below dungeon level 20 or so (including the [[Castle]]), you should immediately be on the alert for the possibility of finding Medusa if you make your way back up. Maze levels are often a sign that you are between Medusa's island and the Castle, though you are not guaranteed to encounter one between those two floors.

	===Combat===		===Combat===

Umbire the Phantom: cite no-pacifying

2025-05-20T10:15:37Z

cite no-pacifying

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:15, 20 May 2025
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	\|reference=[[monst.c#line2293]]		\|reference=[[monst.c#line2293]]
	}}		}}
	'''Medusa''', {{monsym\|Medusa}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. She is a dangerous [[humanoid]] being that is the only [[human or elf]] to neither be [[Human (monster attribute)\|human]] nor [[Elf (monster attribute)\|elven]]. Medusa is a [[strong]] [[omnivore]] that is [[amphibious]] and capable of [[swimming]], has [[flight]], and can be seen via [[infravision]]. She cannot be [[tamed]] or even pacified.		'''Medusa''', {{monsym\|Medusa}}, is a [[unique]] [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. She is a dangerous [[humanoid]] being that is the only [[human or elf]] to neither be [[Human (monster attribute)\|human]] nor [[Elf (monster attribute)\|elven]]. Medusa is a [[strong]] [[omnivore]] that is [[amphibious]] and capable of [[swimming]], has [[flight]], and can be seen via [[infravision]]. She cannot be [[tamed]] or even pacified.{{refsrc\|src/dog.c\|871\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}

	Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]], as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a weapon attack, a claw attack and a [[poisonous]] [[strength]]-draining [[bite]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze, and a [[mirror]] or a source of [[reflection]] can reflect it back at her and turn her to stone unless she also has a source of reflection or cannot see the hero or monster reflecting it.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.		Medusa has a [[passive attack]]-like [[gaze]] that activates once per round and can [[Stoning\|turn victims to stone]], as it does in her original Greek folklore{{refsrc\|src/mon.c\|2874\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|704\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2208\|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}—she also has a weapon attack, a claw attack and a [[poisonous]] [[strength]]-draining [[bite]]. Medusa possesses [[poison resistance]], as well as [[stoning resistance]] ''except'' against her own gaze, and a [[mirror]] or a source of [[reflection]] can reflect it back at her and turn her to stone unless she also has a source of reflection or cannot see the hero or monster reflecting it.{{refsrc\|src/apply.c\|945\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heromirror"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitu.c\|2180\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="heroreflects"}}{{refsrc\|src/mhitm.c\|667\|version=NetHack 3.6.7\|name="monsterreflects"}} See [[#Combat\|the combat strategy section]] for further details on the gaze attack and how to take advantage of it.

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ move toto

2025-04-20T20:29:30Z

Strategy: move toto

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:29, 20 April 2025
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	==Strategy==		==Strategy==
	{{todo\|expand on the boulder-related strategies, taking all four maps into account, perhaps specifying where the boulders go; explain how to dig down on variants where there's no room; discuss what forms of jumping are needed for which maps}}		The most difficult part of reaching Medusa is often crossing the [[sea monster]]-infested waters of Medusa's Island. [[Levitation]] or [[water walking boots]] are the most common ways to cross the water. Using a [[wand of cold]], a [[frost horn]] or the [[cone of cold]] spell to freeze a path across the water is another option, as is filling the water with [[boulder]]s and/or some means of [[jumping]]. See the article on [[Medusa's Island]] for more specific details on how to successfully cross the waters or else dig down safely to the levels below.
	The most difficult part of reaching Medusa is often crossing the [[sea monster]]-infested waters. [[Levitation]] or [[water walking boots]] are the most common ways to cross the water. Using a [[wand of cold]], a [[frost horn]] or the [[cone of cold]] spell to freeze a path across the water is another option, as is filling the water with [[boulder]]s and/or some means of [[jumping]].

	If you are trying to reach the island using boulders, the most efficient method is an uncursed [[scroll of earth]]. If need be, you can also push any boulder you find on the level above to the downstair and throw items to make them roll down. 8 boulders are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#First version\|first version]], and 16 are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#Second version\|second]]; this can be reduced to 7 and 14 respectively if you are willing to jump into water and crawl out. An [[amulet of magical breathing]] may also be used to traverse the level underwater, though you should waterproof your inventory beforehand to prevent as much of it getting [[wet]] as possible.		If you are trying to reach the island using boulders, the most efficient method is an uncursed [[scroll of earth]]. If need be, you can also push any boulder you find on the level above to the downstair and throw items to make them roll down. 8 boulders are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#First version\|first version]], and 16 are needed for the [[Medusa's Island#Second version\|second]]; this can be reduced to 7 and 14 respectively if you are willing to jump into water and crawl out. An [[amulet of magical breathing]] may also be used to traverse the level underwater, though you should waterproof your inventory beforehand to prevent as much of it getting [[wet]] as possible.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:12, 27 June 2026
Line 76:		Line 76:
	In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between the two were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.		In classical folklore, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human women with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Medusa was the only mortal among the trio, and a later version of her origin written in Ovid's ''Metamorphoses'' asserted that she was originally a mortal human maiden, transformed into her current state by Athena as a punishment: while the ''[[wikipedia:Bulfinch's Mythology\|Bulfinch]]'' variant of the tale states that this was a result of Medusa's own hubris regarding her beauty (as quoted by the encyclopedia entry), the ''Metamorphoses'' and other versions have this occur after Poseidon lay with Medusa against her will in one of Athena's temples, desecrating it; the original tale by Hesoid states that Medusa was born a Gorgon and that relations between the two were consensual and occurred in a beautiful meadow.

	In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.		In the tale of Perseus, he is sent to fetch Medusa's head by King Polydectes of Seriphus, who wanted to marry Perseus's mother Danaë and get rid of Perseus under the guise of having him fetch a gift. The gods were well aware of this, and gave Perseus divine assistance in the form of various gifts, most of which are given rough analogues in the items that can be generated within his statue in ''NetHack'': a [[Shield of reflection\|mirrored shield]] (from [[Athena]]), [[Levitation boots\|gold winged sandals]] (from [[Hermes]]), a [[Scimitar\|sword]] forged by Hephaestus, and Hades's helm of darkness (both given by Zeus). These items were entrusted to the Hesperides, who also gave him a [[Sack\|knapsack]] to safely contain Medusa's head.

	Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her. As she was beheaded while pregnant with Poseidon's children, those children sprang from the neck of her headless body: [[Pegasus]], the winged horse, and [[wikipedia:Chrysaor\|Chrysaor]], named for the golden blade he was born wielding. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm of darkness to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head of Medusa, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.		Perseus viewed Medusa safely using her reflection on the mirrored shield, then used it to guide his sword and behead her. As she was beheaded while pregnant with Poseidon's children, those children sprang from the neck of her headless body: [[wikipedia:Pegasus\|Pegasus]], the winged horse, and [[wikipedia:Chrysaor\|Chrysaor]], named for the golden blade he was born wielding. Perseus then bagged Medusa's head and used the helm of darkness to escape the other two Gorgons; upon returning to Seriphus and discovering that his mother was taking refuge from Polydectes's violent advances, Perseus saved her by revealing the head of Medusa, which turned Polydectes and his attendant nobles to stone. In popular culture, Medusa's "weakness" to reflection is often made more direct, with games such as ''NetHack'' making her vulnerable to her own reflected gaze.

	The fourth variant of Medusa's Island serves as a sort of "palace" for her, with an abundance of snakes and black nagas as well as a [[yellow dragon]]—after her decapitation in some ~~tales~~, ~~her~~ spilled blood was said to have given birth to several creatures, including the Sahara's poisonous vipers and the venomous, twin-headed dragon-like serpent known as [[wikipedia:Amphisbaena\|Amphisbaena]] (represented by the yellow dragon). Black nagas, yellow dragons, and their offspring are also [[acidic]] and thus resistant to stoning. The crystal ball may also be an allusion to [[wikipedia:Graeae\|the Graeae]], daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto and sisters to the Gorgons (who were sometimes called "Graeae")~~—Perseus stole their sole~~ shared eye in order to ransom it for information on the ~~location~~ of either Medusa herself or the three objects needed to slay her, depending on the ~~telling~~.		The fourth variant of Medusa's Island in ''NetHack'' serves as a sort of "palace" for her, with an abundance of snakes and black nagas as well as a [[yellow dragon]]—after her decapitation in some versions of her myth, Medusa's spilled blood was said to have given birth to several creatures, including the Sahara's poisonous vipers and the venomous, twin-headed dragon-like serpent known as [[wikipedia:Amphisbaena\|Amphisbaena]] (represented by the yellow dragon). Black nagas, yellow dragons, and their offspring are also [[acidic]] and thus resistant to stoning. The crystal ball hidden in the level may also be an allusion to [[wikipedia:Graeae\|the Graeae]], daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto and sisters to the Gorgons (who were sometimes called "Graeae")—the Graeae shared a singular detachable eye between them, which Perseus stole in order to ransom it for information on the locations of either Medusa herself or the three objects needed to slay her, depending on the version of the myth.

	==Messages==		==Messages==